National Sport News

Liverpool agree Moreno deal

Liverpool have agreed a fee with Sevilla to sign Spain full-back Alberto Moreno as Brendan Rodgers continues a busy summer of strengthening at Anfield.

A deal was expected after Moreno was left out of Sevilla's squad for the UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid in Cardiff, and Liverpool duly announced that a deal was in place late on Tuesday evening.

" Liverpool can confirm they have reached an agreement with Sevilla for the transfer of Spain international full-back Alberto Moreno," a statement on the club's website said.

"The Reds will proceed with the formalities of finalising the deal for the 22-year-old over the coming days and will make no further announcement until it is complete."

Prior to the Super Cup showdown, Sevilla coach Unai Emery had seemed keen to hang on to a player who has a long-term contract in Andalusia, but Liverpool's persistence has paid off as he admitted defeat in the post-match press conference.

"This has been in the offing for a month and a half," said Emery.

"We are in England and close to teams that are interested in Alberto. We want to wish him all the best."

Liverpool have already signed a number of players this summer, but Moreno is unlikely to be the last with Rodgers still thought to be keen to sign another forward following the £75million sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

The Reds were close to landing France striker Loic Remy from QPR last month but a deal collapsed after a medical.

Veteran former Barcelona and Inter Milan frontman Samuel Eto'o, who is out of contract after leaving Chelsea at the end of last season, is the latest name to have been linked with a move to Anfield.

Prior to the announcement of the Moreno deal, Rodgers told the club's website: "We would still like to do some business.

"Across the board we still want to add a little bit more depth to what we have."

Liverpool have already signed international strikers Rickie Lambert and Divock Origi this summer, although the latter is to be loaned back to former club Lille.

Adam Lallana, Emre Can and Lazar Markovic have been brought in to bolster midfield options, while defenders Dejan Lovren and Javier Manquillo have also been added to the squad.

Liverpool completed their pre-season programme with a 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund at Anfield on Sunday.

They open their Barclays Premier League campaign at home to Southampton - the club from which they signed Lambert, Lallana and Lovren - on Sunday.